The Creative Arts Agency (CAA) is set to roll out an ambitious slate of projects in 2026, aimed at empowering Ghanaian creatives, strengthening the arts ecosystem, and promoting the country’s cultural footprint both locally and internationally, Acting Executive Secretary Gideon Aryeequaye told Joy Showbiz A to Z host Kwame Dadzie.
Speaking during a detailed interview, Aryeequaye said the agency intends to execute projects that were delayed or postponed last year, aligning with the government’s broader vision for the creative sector. “This year, 2026, we’re going to massively roll out every bit of projects that we couldn’t, for some reason, execute last year. We’re going to launch them and then implement the programmes,” he explained.
Among the initiatives planned is Inspire the Creative in Me, a mentorship programme targeting young and budding talent across Ghana. The project will operate in schools and communities, spanning the northern, middle, and southern belts, with a focus on nurturing creative potential from the grassroots. “We’ve been tasked to get officers across the country in every region, in every district,” Aryeequaye said.
Another major project, Grow the Artist in Me, focuses on human resource development through workshops and masterclasses aimed at building capacities within the arts ecosystem. Aryeequaye explained that the programme will also provide networking and investment opportunities for creatives, facilitating the growth of the sector’s professional infrastructure.
For visual artists, the CAA will launch Arts Beyond Borders, a monthly platform showcasing exhibitions featuring local artists alongside at least one foreign participant. The initiative aims to foster networking and talent development, with exhibitions hosted at national galleries across Ghana.
Aryeequaye also highlighted the High Schools Creative Contest, an annual inter-school competition designed to engage students in multiple artistic disciplines. “Like a math and science quiz, but for the arts. Students will contest from the basics up, exploring every creative form we can associate with,” he explained.
The Creative Arts Festival is another flagship initiative, scheduled as a week-long celebration of artistic expression and social impact. The festival will feature workshops, dialogue sessions, networking events, and a concert featuring Ghanaian artists. “We want to reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, highlighting the contributions of artists to sustainable development,” Aryeequaye said.
In addition, the CAA plans to host a High Life Festival, celebrating Ghanaian High Life music in line with UNESCO recognition. Aryeequaye noted that the European Union Commission has expressed interest in partnering on some of these projects, highlighting international support for Ghana’s creative initiatives.
A significant diplomatic development also emerged: the United States Embassy in Accra now has a cultural attache for the first time in years, who has engaged directly with the CAA. Aryeequaye described a productive meeting where the embassy expressed support for CAA projects, including the Creative Arts Awards, which the agency is now rebranding as Create Honors. The awards, aimed at recognising and celebrating Ghanaian creatives, are expected to launch before March 2026, with the main event scheduled after the FIFA World Cup.
“Creative Honors is coming from Ghana, from the Creative Arts Agency. This has never been done anywhere else in the world,” Aryeequaye said, emphasising the event’s significance for the sector. Once launched, the awards will include multiple categories and are intended to become an annual celebration of Ghanaian talent.
Aryeequaye also spoke on welfare initiatives for creatives, noting the president’s personal involvement in supporting artists with healthcare, accommodation, and other basic needs. “The president puts his hand in his pocket to try and sort people out when it comes to buying medicines or where they stay. It is the job of the Creative Arts Agency to manage this,” he said.
The projects outlined by the CAA reflect a comprehensive approach to developing Ghana’s creative sector. By combining mentorship, capacity building, exhibitions, competitions, festivals, awards, and welfare initiatives, the agency aims to strengthen the country’s arts ecosystem from grassroots talent to professional recognition.
In addition to domestic initiatives, the CAA is placing emphasis on international collaboration. Through partnerships with entities such as the European Union and the US Embassy, the agency is positioning Ghanaian arts for global visibility. Aryeequaye stressed that international cooperation complements domestic empowerment: “We will project our own artists first before looking elsewhere,” he said, highlighting a strategy focused on building a strong foundation at home.
The CAA’s multi-pronged approach is expected to benefit a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from students and emerging artists to established practitioners, gallery operators, and investors in the creative sector. Digital platforms, exhibitions, festivals, competitions, and awards aim to create sustainable pathways for career growth and economic opportunities within the arts.
Aryeequaye noted that the agency has strategically prioritised its rollouts, starting in northern regions before extending to central and southern belts, ensuring nationwide engagement. The focus on schools and communities signals a commitment to fostering early-stage talent and integrating arts education into broader cultural development strategies.
With the 2026 calendar packed with initiatives, the Creative Arts Agency is demonstrating a proactive stance in addressing previous delays and expanding its scope. Aryeequaye’s emphasis on mentorship, talent development, exhibitions, festivals, and welfare reflects a holistic vision for the creative sector, balancing professional growth, cultural enrichment, and societal impact.
If successfully implemented, these initiatives could enhance Ghana’s reputation as a hub for creative excellence in Africa. By fostering emerging talent, recognising established artists, and creating platforms for local and international collaboration, the CAA is setting the stage for a transformative year in the country’s cultural landscape.
As Ghana’s creative industry continues to evolve, the combination of structured programmes, strategic partnerships, and targeted support for artists positions the nation to leverage its cultural assets for economic growth and international recognition. Aryeequaye concluded that 2026 would be a year to both celebrate and elevate Ghanaian creativity, with the Creative Arts Agency at the helm of these efforts.